19 May 2014
107th Festival in the books…
Thousands of people jammed into Florence over the weekend for the Rhododendron Festival. Despite weather forecasts calling for rain or showers, events were dry… for the most part.
The festival culminated with yesterday’s Grand Floral Parade, presided over by Pro Rodeo Cowboy Dennis Foley as Grand Marshall; along with Queen Katrina Greenlief and King Derek Kennedy.
The float entered by the Florence Elks won the Grand Marshall’s Award; the King and Queen’s trophy went to the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshop; the Mayor’s award went to Rocking Rodeo.
In parade awards were handed out to the U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard in the Service category; Sweet Sensations Drill and Dance Team won first place in the marching units. Johnson Brothers Tree Service was the winning commercial entry and the Elks won the non-commercial.
Rocking Old Time Rodeo was first in the the vehicle division and the entry from Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant the equestrian.
90 by 30 to meet in Florence
A consortium aimed at reducing child abuse 90-percent in Lane County by the year 2030 will be holding an open house this evening at Siuslaw Public Library.
The group: 90-by-30; is made up of representatives from the Ford Family Foundation; the University of Oregon and Siuslaw School District.
Tonight’s forum, from 6:30 to eight will provide an overview of the group’s ambitious goal.
90-by-30 director Phyllis Barkhurst says one aim this evening is to recruit members of the regional leadership team. “Every person, neighborhood; group; and organization” she says, “can play their part to end child abuse and neglect in Lane County”.
Barkhurst says members of the leadership team don’t have to know how to end abuse; just have a desire.
Flower Show Results
One signature event of the 107th Rhododendron Festival was the American Rhododendron Society’s Flower show at the Florence Events Center. Nearly one-thousand entries were recorded. Larry and Sandy Jensen of Noti won the Grand Sweepstakes Award. They also won “best in show” for their “Mollie Smith” hybrid; and “best Macrophyllum” for their native entry.
Bones Nursery won the ‘best foliage’ award and Francis Burns of Vida won the ‘best new American hybrid’ for “Golly Gumdrops”.
Show and Shine Success
27 different awards were handed out at the 22nd annual BeachKombers Car Club Rhody Show and Shine Saturday. Nearly 250 vehicles were on display in the sunshine. The three top awards were presented to a 1969 Buick GS owned by Dick Nali; a 1969 Chevy Shortbed Truck owned by David Rodgers; and the 1957 Chevy Cameo Pickup owned by Larry and Cassie Morphew which won ‘best in show’.
Best in Car Cruise
Exactly 100 vehicles registered for the Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise Saturday evening. The car judged the “best in cruise” almost didn’t make it… Liz and Bill Dietrich decided at the last minute to enter their 1969 VW Karman Ghia.
Ballots Due Back
Tomorrow is Election Day… ballots must be returned to the elections department in Eugene… or dropped in the ballot return box in front of the Florence Justice Center no later than eight PM Tuesday.
